Even a small amount of alcohol can remain in the system for an extended period, as the body requires time to process it. On average, the body takes about one hour to break down one unit of alcohol. While it is unclear what you consider "a small amount," any detected alcohol indicates your body has not fully eliminated it. The time required for elimination varies based on the drinker's age and weight. Additionally, individual tolerance thresholds and alcohol tolerance differ, influencing how quickly or slowly one becomes intoxicated. For instance, some individuals may drink little yet have low tolerance, while others can consume more but still eliminate alcohol slowly.

The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a standard definition for an alcohol unit, helping individuals understand consumption levels. One unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10 grams of pure ethanol. This amount corresponds to: 200 ml of beer, 75 ml of wine (one glass), or 25 ml of spirits (one shot). The total number of alcohol units consumed can be calculated based on the amount drunk. You can calculate your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the time needed for it to return to zero after drinking, using the table below. To do this, input your metrics according to the formula's requirements, and the system will provide a reference result.

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) directly correlates with physiological and behavioral effects, ranging from mild impairment to severe intoxication. A BAC of 50-70 mg/100 ml can induce euphoria, increased talkativeness, and a slight impairment of behavioral and emotional skills.

As BAC levels rise, the body experiences more pronounced and dangerous signs of alcohol intoxication. A BAC of 80-100 mg/100 ml is considered alcohol intoxication. Common symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, impaired skills and behavior, and an inability to drive.

Extremely high BAC levels lead to severe neurological and physiological distress, posing significant health risks. A BAC of 100-200 mg/100 ml leads to more severe behavioral and mental disorders. The drinker may experience numbness in the limbs or face, pale skin, and unstable emotions, resulting in reduced cognitive and decision-making abilities. With a BAC of 200-300 mg/100 ml, you will slur your words, become confused, experience memory lapses, possibly lose memory, or be unable to walk, with slowed reactions. For individuals with no alcohol tolerance, a blood alcohol concentration reaching 400 mg/100 ml will result in severe alcohol poisoning, hypotension, loss of motor function, potential complete loss of consciousness, hypothermia, respiratory depression, coma, and even death.

Near Tet (Lunar New Year), people should consume alcohol safely and avoid abuse. Photo: Phuong Anh

Adopting safe drinking practices and supportive measures can mitigate the negative effects of alcohol consumption. To reduce fatigue symptoms, you can boost nutrition, eat vegetables and fiber, and limit protein to avoid excess stomach acid secretion that causes nausea and vomiting. Eat a light meal before drinking alcohol, and drink plenty of water during and after consumption. Some beneficial hangover remedies include: tomato juice, ginger, sugarcane juice, lemon with honey, plain water, and coconut water. Avoid over-relying on widely available hangover pills.

This advice comes from medical professionals specializing in cardiovascular and neurological health.

Doctor Doan Du Manh

Deputy Director of the Cardiovascular and Stroke Center, Phuong Dong International Hospital